First, what’s the difference in English? Although definitions diverge, most agree that having an “ability” (a capacity or capability to do something) is a prerequisite for developing a “skill” (an expertise at accomplishing a task) that can be refined through routine or training. Skills are also generally more goal-directed. In reality, the terms overlap heavily in common usage.

In German, the word for “ability” is “Fähigkeit” (f.) and “to be able (to do something)” is “fähig sein (etwas zu tun)”:

– “Er ist zu allem fähig.” – “He’s capable of anything.”
– “Ich zweifle an seinen Fähigkeiten.” – “I’m questioning his abilities.”

The German word for “skill” is “Fertigkeit” (f.), and is usually used to describe a degree of dexterity or proficiency developed through the frequent performance of specific tasks (such as playing the guitar or using a foreign language):

– “Der Kurs fördert die Sprechfertigkeit der Schüler.” – “The course develops the speaking skills of the students.”
– “Ihm fehlen die benötigten beruflichen Fertigkeiten.” – “He’s lacking the necessary professional/vocational skills.”

The word “Können” (n.) encompasses both “Fähigkeit” and “Fertigkeit”, and, relatedly, the words for “talent” are “Begabung” (f.) or “Talent” (n.).